All patients with the devices are being urged to have checks by medical professionals after a safety warning was issued by a health watchdog.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the move is a ‘precautionary measure’.
There have been concerns in the past over the devices – with a limited number of patients previously being recalled for tests. But now the issue could be even more serious than first believed.
Now experts have said people could be at risk of muscle or bone damage – and even blood poisoning.
Blood poisoning – also known as sepsis is a life-threatening condition.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a precautionary measure has today issued updated guidance for healthcare professionals who manage patients implanted with metal-on-metal hip replacements.
This updated guidance replaces the previous advice provided in 2012.
The key changes include additional recommendations regarding monitoring patients and are designed to ensure longer term followup is undertaken for all patients with these implants.
Details of the changes are in the Medical Device Alert issued today.
Dr Neil McGuire MHRA’s Clinical Director of Medical Devices said: “We have updated the current advice to ensure patients with metal on metal hip implants continue to receive appropriate follow up to detect emerging complications should they arise.
“Hip implants have positively transformed the lives of many patients who in the past were subject to increasingly severe pain and progressive disability.
“These use a variety of metal, plastic and ceramic components.”
The statement said that although the majority of patients with these metal on metal devices have well-functioning hips, it is known some may develop soft tissue reactions related to their implant.
Dr McGuire added: “The clinical advice we have received indicates patients will likely have the best outcomes if these problems are detected early, monitored and treated if necessary.
“If you have any questions about your hip replacement, speak with your GP or implanting surgeon.”
A hip replacement is a common type of surgery where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one.
Adults of any age can be considered for a hip replacement, although most are carried out on people between the ages of 60 and 80.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
